Bar review: Alternative Brews

Calling all Beer Drinkers

To all my fellow beer connoisseurs, have I got the place for you! Alternative Brews is a locally owned bar on Sheridan Drive, between Millersport Highway and Sweet Home Road, and they specialize in domestic and imported beer. With over 150 different beers to choose from, they're bound to have a beer to suit the tastes and desires of every beer drinker.

Alternative Brews reputedly offers the largest selection of beer that any one pub in the Buffalo area carries. They have all the popular domestics, as well as beers from all the local New York breweries. They also has beers from all over the country and around the world.

They are one of the only local establishments to offer Trappist beers (beer brewed by different monasteries around the world) and other rare beers that are hard to find in a bar or at a store. One of my favorite beers they stock is Three Philosophers (a collaboration brew from three of New York’s local brewery brew-masters).

They also offer a variety of Shandies (a beer brewed with carbonated lemonade) in the bottle or on tap that will satisfy the taste of even the most obstinate beer haters. And for those who refuse to drink beer, that’s ok; Alternative Brews offers a full bar and can provide any shot or mixed drink you desire.

As far as environment, Alternative Brews offers live Blues music on Wednesdays and Fridays, and is a licensed cigar bar. That’s right -- you can still smoke inside alternative brews, and they offer a wide variety of cigars to go along with their selection of beer. When there is not a band playing, they have an Internet-supported jukebox, which allows you to listen to any music of your liking.

They also have multiple dart boards and other bar games. If you want to watch the Bills or Sabres (or any sports team you may prefer) while enjoying a great beer, Alternative Brews is the place for you. With multiple flat screen televisions, you'll have a great view from anywhere in the bar.

They offer a happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 3-7 p.m., with 2 for 1 draughts and well drinks. They also have beer clubs, dart leagues and cigar parties to provide customers with a variety of ways to enjoy their establishment. Not sure what kind of beer you like? That’s ok. Simply come to one of their free beer tastings on the middle Thursday of every month.

So next time you're in the mood for a good beer and want a nice laid-back environment in which to enjoy it, try Alternative Brews at 3488 Sheridan Drive in Amherst. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Until next time, bottoms up and remember to drink safe and don’t drink and drive.

Student Profiles

Cameron - Graphic Design

Cam has spent a significant amount of time acting, puppeteering, writing, producing, and directing various productions associated with the theater department while also presenting his research throughout the country.